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This article is a guide on how to repair HDCP error Apple TV. Are you an Apple user and have come across any of these errors? This content requires HDCP for playback, a video cannot be played or errors such as Oh No! Something went wrong.
If yes, this is something you can come across after you have connected up all the components such as the TV and the Apple TV.
Besides these errors, there are other errors that you can come across when you are streaming various content such as HBO, Netflix and YouTube TV. However, HDCP errors point to the issues with the hardware. They can as well be an issue with physical connections between the devices.
HDCP is built on some streaming video hardware including Satellite TV receivers and streaming boxes such as Apple TV.
If your TV lacks this, then you might not be able to stream HDCP-compatible content. This means that when you watch HDCP-compatible content, you will see HDCP errors or a complete Blank screen.
So what is an HDCP error? What are some of the main reasons for HDCP errors and what are the best solutions for HDCP errors? This brief has it all simply explained for you.
Table of Contents
What is an HDCP error?
HDCP stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection. This is the technology that protects video content on streaming devices and TVs. When you connect your Apple TV and other devices to your TV, they will send out a message that it is HDCP compliant. If your device does not comply, then it will display an error message.
This also happens if your device is not HDCP compatible at all. The Apple TV is one of the devices that have to be HDCP compatible in order to work with a large range of TVs. However, not all TVs are able to support HDCP hence you might get an error message on your screen when you try to connect up to the Apple TV or any other device with an HDMI port.
HDCP Error Causes
There are various reasons for HDCP errors but the most common ones are:
HDMI cables are faulty or damaged
If you have tried connecting up different brands of HDMI cables and found out that you get HDCP errors on your screen, then that means that the HDMI cable is faulty. You should try replacing it with another brand of HDMI cable.
The TV is not HDCP compatible
This can be checked by unplugging the power cord from the TV and plugging it back in to see if this resolves the error. If not, then you will need to contact your local TV manufacturer for a solution.
The content is not authorized
Lastly, you might be getting this error mainly because the content you are watching is not authorized. The main reason why HDCP is enabled in newer versions is to make sure that the player only authorizes watching of approved and authorized content.
HDCP Error Solutions
Now that you know the meaning of HDCP error and some of its most common causes, we want to discuss the main fixes that can easily work for you.
Replace the HDMI Cable
The most common solution to this problem is to replace the HDMI cable. If you have tried different cables, then replace them with another brand of HDMI cable. You can also try a different connector on the end of the cable if there are multiple ports on your TV.
Power off and restart
This is one of the simplest solutions for HDCP errors. Just power off your TV and then power it up again after about 30 seconds. This will reset the TVโs settings and make sure that it has a fresh start when you connect up your Apple TV or other devices with an HDMI port.
Call Your Local TV Manufacturer
If you have an HDCP error on your screen when you are trying to connect up your Apple TVย or other devices with an HDMI port, then this might be because there is a problem with the HDCP support in your set-top box (STB).
In this case, you can contact your local STB manufacturer for help in fixing it.
Reset Apple TV
Resetting Apple TV can help solve some of the issues with the set Box. It is a very simple process that you can do even if you are not an expert. All you need to do is hold the reset button for 10 seconds and release it.
FAQs
What does HDCP stand for?
HDCP is a copy protection technology that was developed by Intel Corporation and Digital Content Protection, LLC (DCP) for the purpose of protecting digital content from being copied or streamed without authorization. HDCP stands for High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection.
What does HDCP error mean?
HDCP error is an error that occurs when you are trying to connect up your Apple TV to your TV using an HDMI cable and get a message stating that the content you are watching is not authorized or that there is a problem with the HDMI cable.
What causes HDCP error?
This can be caused by several issues, but the most common ones are:
- You have an older version of your TV.
- You have an older version of your Apple TV, STB or other devices with an HDMI port.
- You have a faulty HDMI cable.
- You have a faulty connector on the end of the cable
- Your STB has not implemented HDCP support (the newest STBs do).
Conclusion
HDCP error is a common issue that often occurs with new Apple TVs and other devices with an HDMI port. It is caused by several issues, but the most common ones are:
- You have an older version of your TV.
- You have an older version of your Apple TV, STB or other devices with an HDMI port.
- You have a faulty HDMI cable. You can solve this issue through any of the methods explained above.
